Which amendment ensures that state governments do not discriminate in the application of laws?

The Fourteenth Amendment is pivotal in ensuring that state governments do not discriminate in the application of laws. Ratified in 1868, it contains the Equal Protection Clause, which mandates that no state shall deny any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. This clause has been interpreted to prohibit discriminatory practices by state governments and has served as the basis for numerous landmark Supreme Court cases aimed at addressing civil rights issues.

The Fourteenth Amendment fundamentally transforms the relationship between individuals and the state, reinforcing the idea that everyone should be treated equally under the law, regardless of race, gender, or other characteristics. This amendment addresses systemic inequalities and allows individuals to challenge unfair laws and practices in state courts, thereby promoting social justice and fairness in legal proceedings across the nation.